by Lavan Carrick Hill
Illustrated by Bryan Collier
Little, Brown & Company, 2010. 48 pgs
Reading Level: ages 4-8
Hardcover: $16.99
Annotation: Even though he was a slave, Dave the Potter made beautiful pots inscribed with his own special poetry.
Summary: Dave the Potter was an extraordinary slave artist living in South Carolina in the 1800's. This exquisite picture book tells the story of his art, how he took earth and clay, combined them with water and then threw pots large enough to hold more than 20 gallons. Afterwhich, he inscribed them with his short, fascinating haiku-like snatches of poetry. Sometimes he only signed his name but other times he wrote lines such as "I wonder where is all my relation friendhsip to all-and, every nation". At the end of the story proper, the full story of Dave and the making of the tale add a more definitive look into the life of the artist and complement the book's main body.
Evaluation: The book is a must read for anyone interested in the history of African American art. The illustrations are subdued, using darker, muted colors for the most part and exhibiting a layered effect that is visually interesting as well as gorgeously rendered. Dave's face and his hands are life catching glimpses into this man's soul and I loved the fold out pages that let you see the steps a potter follows when creating a pot. It's an important work in that it documents a unique man in history and his extraordinary talent and the illustrations are a triumphant celebration of Dave's life.
Significance: Slaves were normally forced to remain unskilled and illiterate, the fact that Dave was both shows special privilege and remarkable talent.
Personal Choice: I have a degree in art history and was curious to see Dave's creations and how this author and illustrator team portrayed this remarkable man.
Awards: Coretta Scott King: Illustrator Award, 2011 / Caldecott Honor, 2011 / Children's Notable for Middle Readers, 2011
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